September 11, 2001 disrupted so much of our society, our security, our sense of safety. It also changed our relationship with our flag. After 9/11, the flag became ubiquitous—flying in communities, businesses, at events, and “flying” flat as decals everywhere. It has also been co-opted by partisanship. Yet we all remember an earlier time when it was not just about patriotism; it was also a whimsical theme that celebrated Americanism…just an easier way of life for us, perhaps with greater innocence. No one can remind of the imagery of that era like Kit Hinrichs, with his rich collection of amusing and idiosyncratic applications of the stars and stripes.
From one of the world’s leading graphic designers comes a stunning tribute to America’s most enduring icon-the Stars and Stripes.The Revolutionary Congress resolved in 1777 that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 white stars in a blue field representing a new constellation.” Since that time, the American flag has been raised high in wartime triumph and peacetime celebration; burned in fervent protest; sewn lovingly onto quilts, caps, pillows, and bags; appropriated by the commercial sphere to sell goods as varied as cigars, and designer clothing, and rock-and-roll albums; and faithfully honored every 4th of July to celebrate America’s independence. This collection of more than 3,000 Stars and Stripes artifacts ranges from Civil War-era banners and Native American braided moccasins to an early 20th-century “friendship” kimono and original flag art by several of the world’s leading designers.
Kit Hinrichs, noted graphic designer and American flag collector, will give a profusely illustrated talk on America’s national icon—the stars and stripes. His conversation will include facts, myths and legends behind the flag over its nearly 250-year history. Kit will discuss how this single piece of cloth has enmeshed itself into our American culture from its 18th century origin until today.
Kit’s assemblage of American memorabilia numbers in the thousands. His only family heirloom, a 36 star handsewn wool flag sewn by his great, great aunt in 1865, is the corner stone of the collection.
In addition to historical flags, the collection now includes Navajo Weavings, Toy Soldiers, Antique Quilts, Political Buttons, Patriotic Posters, Children’s Toys and Games, Anti-war images, Postal Stamps, Tobacciana, Historic Photographs and volumes of pieces of Ephemera.
Kit Hinrichs served as principal in several design offices in New York and San Francisco and spent 23 years as a partner in the international design consultancy Pentagram, before opening Studio Hinrichs in 2009. His design experience incorporates a wide range of projects, including brand development, promotion, packaging, environmental graphics, editorial and exhibition design. He is also a noted American Flag collector and founder of the Stars & Stripes Foundation.
Kit’s work is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Denver Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Letterform Archive. In addition to authoring “Narrative Design,” he has co-authored other books on design .including “Typewise” and “The Pentagram Papers.” He co-founded @issue: The Journal of Business and Design.
Kit has had flag exhibitions in museums across the country, including New York, Louisville, Doylestown,, Reno, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He is an author of “Long May She Wave” A Graphic history of the American Flag. He is in the process of creating a new American flag book for the 250th anniversary of the United States, titled “Broad Stripes/Bright Stars “,
Summary
In this illustrated talk, Kit Hinrichs shared his personal passion for the American flag, discussing its history, myths, and facts. His personal collection includes more than seven thousand flag-related memorabilia, with an early inspiration being a 36-star wool flag sewn by his great-great-aunt in 1865. This vast collection also includes historical flags, Navajo weavings, toy soldiers, and antique quilts. Hinrichs described his joy in exploring the iconography of the American flag.
During the presentation, Hinrichs engaged the audience with a quiz about the American flag’s history and myths. The questions ranged from who designed the American flag (not Betsy Ross, but Francis Hopkinson, for which he was paid two jugs of rum) to the legalities of flag burning (it is both a form of free speech and the official method of retiring a flag). He also touched on how the flag’s design evolved with the addition of new states, and the longest-serving flag design being the 50-star version, in use since 1960.
Hinrichs elaborated on his collection of American memorabilia. Over the years, this passion grew into a substantial collection of over 7,500 items, including flags, postcards, toy soldiers, cookie molds, spoons, and compacts. He highlighted items from significant historical moments, such as World War I fans, patriotic women’s magazines, and stamp cancellations featuring the flag.
The talk moved through various ways the flag has been represented in American culture, from military formations creating “living flags” in the early 20th century to art, product packaging, and propaganda. Hinrichs shared insights into folk art and fine art representations of the flag, with examples from Native American beadwork, Navajo textiles, and Depression-era quilting.
Hinrichs also explored the commercialization of the flag, including its use in advertisements, product branding, and promotional materials. He cited examples of flags on candy boxes, tobacco tins, and advertising banners, showcasing how the flag permeated everyday American life.
In a lighter moment, he shared anecdotes about collecting, including buying entire sets of toy soldiers just to acquire a single flag bearer figure. His collection features over 500 flag bearers, each with unique details that represent different aspects of American history.
The talk ended on the topic of the flag in times of war, particularly its use in propaganda and as a symbol of patriotism. From World War I posters to the iconic image of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima during World War II, Hinrichs illustrated how the flag has been a powerful tool for rallying national pride and support during conflict.
In closing, Hinrichs shared a personal design he created after 9/11, a tribute to the first responders and victims of the tragedy. He left the audience with a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted history of the American flag and its continued significance in American culture.
The event concluded with a brief Q&A session, where Hinrichs addressed questions about flag myths, including the belief that the flag should never touch the ground (which is false, as long as it is not damaged), and confirmed that the U.S. flag is unique in being designed to adapt to the addition of new states. The presentation offered a rich exploration of the American flag’s cultural, historical, and artistic significance.